Kochi: It is alleged that the IHRD has amended the qualifications to make VA Arun Kumar, son of former Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan, director. Dr Vinu Thomas, a professor at IHRD and currently Dean of the University of Technology, approached the High Court demanding its cancellation.
The government’s policy is to try to accommodate the people it likes. Recently, the Dean of the Technical University has come forward with a complaint. The Dean of the Technical University approached the High Court alleging that the IHRD amended the qualifications to make VA Arun Kumar, son of former Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan, the Director.
The new amendment says that instead of teaching experience, additional director’s work experience is sufficient for the post of IHRD director. It was the Executive Committee instead of the Governing Body which illegally recommended the government to amend the qualification.
Post Graduation in Engineering with 15 years teaching experience out of which three years administrative experience as Principal or Professor. OR Post Graduation in Engineering with 10 years teaching experience and 5 years working experience in respective field. Otherwise deputation from Central Service. These were the pre-qualifications to become IHRD Director.
But on December 13, 2023, the government order amended the eligibility. Along with the criteria mentioned earlier, the new amendment states that seven years of working experience in the position of IHRD Additional Director or Principal is sufficient. It is alleged that this is for Arun Kumar, who has no teaching experience and is currently acting as interim director.
